red flags & green flags during in-person consults in seoul (a no-bs guide)

seeing a lot of people planning their trips to korea for surgery, and while looking at instagram before/afters is fun, the real test happens when you actually land in seoul and go for in-person consultations.

to help out the newbies and make sure nobody gets scammed, i put together a quick no-bs guide on red flags and green flags to watch out for during your consults.

red flags (run away if you see these)

1. the consultant (siljang) talks more than the doctor: if you spend 30 minutes talking to a sales consultant about pricing and procedures, and the actual surgeon only pops in for 3 minutes to say hi... that’s a classic factory clinic.
2. pushing for a same-day deposit: if they hit you with the "this discount is only valid if you put down a deposit today," walk away. good clinics don't pressure you. never put down a non-refundable deposit just because you feel awkward.
3. they say "yes" to everything: if you show them a picture of a celebrity and the doctor just nods and promises to give you that exact nose/eye without examining your anatomical limits or skin thickness, that's a huge warning sign.

green flags (keep these clinics on your list)

1. the doctor tells you "no": a surgeon who gives you a brutal reality check and explains *why* a certain style won't work for your face or why it might cause complications down the line is a keeper.
2. transparent safety protocols: they clearly answer questions about in-room cctv access and whether they have a full-time, dedicated anesthesiologist on staff (not just a freelancer who pops in).
3. clear, upfront pricing: they give you the final price including tax (and explain the tax refund process), anesthesia fees, and aftercare. no hidden costs popping up later.

pro tip: try to book at least 3-4 consultations, but don't do more than 2 or 3 in a single day. clinic fatigue is real, and they will all start to blur together. take notes right after you leave each clinic!

drop any questions below if you're planning your first trip!